CAIRO: The Arab League has issued an urgent appeal to the member states of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), urging immediate action to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip. The Arab League’s Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, called for a humanitarian truce to allow the entry of essential materials and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents.
In a statement, Aboul Gheit highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where famine has become a looming threat. He emphasized that 1.2 million people in Gaza were already grappling with food insecurity before the recent Israeli aggression. Now, after 17 years of Israeli siege, the entire population faces the risk of starvation, unsure of where their next meal will come from.
The statement revealed the alarming living conditions in Gaza, where the majority of the population relies on just one liter of water for all purposes. Clean drinking water has become a luxury, as most desalination plants have either been destroyed or ceased operation due to a lack of fuel. The situation is exacerbated by the scarcity of humanitarian aid, hindering the distribution of essential relief materials and food within the Strip.
Arab League Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza
The Arab League’s statement condemned the Israeli attacks, describing them as a “war of extermination and ethnic cleansing” targeting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The continued Israeli bombardment and blockade have created a grave health crisis, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Several hospitals and health units have ceased operations due to fuel shortages and have been targeted by Israeli forces, violating fundamental laws of war.
The statement highlighted the challenges faced at the Rafah crossing, where the number of trucks entering Gaza falls significantly short of what is required to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. Even after aid materials enter the Strip, the lack of fuel and ongoing Israeli bombings hinder the distribution efforts, leaving the population in a precarious situation without safe spaces.
